Switzerland is on the brink of a controversial milestone as it prepares to introduce the Sarco capsule, a portable suicide pod, within the next few months. The device, which has stirred significant debate since its introduction in 2019, promises a new method for individuals seeking to end their lives, independent of medical supervision.
Switzerland is getting ready to introduce the Sarco capsule, a portable suicide pod, in the coming months. This device has sparked a lot of debate since it was first announced in 2019.
The Sarco capsule was created by the assisted-dying group The Last Resort. This pod offers a new way for people to end their lives without needing a doctor. It looks like a futuristic pod and works by filling the pod with nitrogen, which lowers oxygen levels. This causes the person to become unconscious and die within about ten minutes.
Developed over 12 years in the Netherlands at a cost of more than $710,000, the Sarco represents a major investment in both research and design. Despite the high initial cost, future versions are expected to be more affordable.
Florian Willet, the CEO of The Last Resort, said there has been a lot of interest in the Sarco capsule. Many people have already asked about using it. The cost to use the device is around $20. Willet described the process as a “peaceful transition to eternal sleep.”
Country Of Suicides?
The introduction of the Sarco capsule is expected to spark more debate about assisted dying in Switzerland. Assisted suicide has been legal in Switzerland since the 1940s, as long as the person helping doesn’t have a selfish reason. This has made Switzerland a popular place for people seeking assisted suicide, often called “death tourism.”
The Sarco capsule has faced criticism, especially regarding Article 115 of the Swiss Criminal Code, which bans helping someone die for selfish reasons. Some people are worried about the ethical implications of the device.
The exact details of when and where the first Sarco capsule will be used are still unknown. However, Willet confirmed that it is expected to happen within the year. This could mark a significant moment in the ongoing discussion about end-of-life options.
